BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Hatchery chinook salmon are returning to Bellingham Bay and lower Whatcom Creek.

Fishery managers are forecasting a run of more than 7,000 chinook this year.

The City of Bellingham says the salmon are part of a long-running partnership involving Bellingham Technical College, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Indian Tribe.

The Chinook typically begin arriving in late August and early September after the first fall rains raise creek levels.

Officials say the hatchery salmon help feed endangered Southern Resident killer whales and support tribal, recreational and commercial fisheries.

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the run, Maritime Heritage Park offers some of the best viewing opportunities.